/ rɪˈfreʃmənt; NAmE / noun
1.
refreshments [ pl. ] drinks and small amounts of food that are provided or sold to people in a public place or at a public event :
Light refreshments will be served during the break.
2.
[ U ] ( formal ) food and drink :
In York we had a short stop for refreshment.
Can we offer you some refreshment?
a refreshment room / kiosk / tent
( humorous )
liquid refreshment (= alcoholic drink)
3.
[ U ] ( formal ) the fact of making sb feel stronger or less tired or hot :
a place to rest and find refreshment for mind and body
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (originally referring to the giving of fresh strength or energy): from Old French refreschement , from the verb refreschier , from re- back + fres(che) fresh.